Tad Sae Waterfall
Tad Sae Waterfall
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.0
1,298 reviews
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376
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Suraj Y
25 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
great experience to relax and vibe. chilled on a hot day.
you arrive at one end of the river and then pay certain amount to get a boat to reach the falls. they were totally worth it. the water was great too.
you arrive at one end of the river and then pay certain amount to get a boat to reach the falls. they were totally worth it. the water was great too.
Written December 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChristineC_831
Santa Cruz, CA312 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Needs refurbish of decks, has dangerous gaps, nails and missing bits, sadly garbage and lack of maintenance mar the beautiful falls. Bring bug spray.
Non tour plan on 600k kip RT transportation
15k for entering and 15k boat ride
Non tour plan on 600k kip RT transportation
15k for entering and 15k boat ride
Written January 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phutty
Tallinn, Estonia1,361 contributions
Dec 2022
The falls here don't quite have the majesty of Kuang Si, but they're still very picturesque. Some of the facilities at the site are still closed post-COVID and there's a general sense of the place having been left to fend for itself the last couple of years. Access is easiest (only possible even?) by boat. The entry fee is minimal and worth it. Note that if you go swimming, the water is fresh and therefore very cold, and the clay-like silt on the bottom of the pools is very sticky and can be difficult to pull yourself through.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jakob S
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
Sorry to say, but the place is TOTALLY run down and deserted from ALL services, so no surprise that we were totally alone there. Visited 22 July 2024 and almost empty from water. This has of course its courses due to early time of the rainy season. It has lost 100 % to Kuang Si-falls which are amazing, of course. All woodwork smouldering and dangerous to walk, so even if the water is running fine in the season, this place will never be an attraction for Luang Prabang, that’s for sure. Deserted houses, coffee shops and other buildings actually made it look interesting in a ghost town. So, take my words, I’m not especially picky or demanding; don’t go there!
Written July 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelley M
Albany, New Zealand906 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
The deck here have huge gaps and nails poking through. You had to be very careful where you walked. There is a small cafe close b to purchase a beer. The waterfalls are dry when we visited as they are awaiting the rains. Be nice to see after the rains if they sort out the walkways.
Written April 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aese
Saronno, Italy541 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
We stayed on March 18th. Hot and without water, but the 1.5 hour walk is still worth it. First by boat along the river then on foot. Without water, not very exciting. Quite challenging given the heat, bring plenty of water to drink.
Written March 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Travelling House Sitters
Croatia102 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
I rented a bike and made the cycle out to Tad Sae, I wouldn't recommend the ride to anyone who is not fairly fit or confident on a bike.
Be very careful of the men on the boats scamming you if you are alone. They will charge you double and rush you on the boat then pile more people on at regular price. Make sure you demand your money back.
On a lighter note the waterfalls are beautiful and it is a great spot to hang for a few hours.. I must have came after some heavy rain because there was a lot of debris and mud around the walking tracks.
The track itself was in need of repair and there was a lot of times when I thought I might have taken a wrong turn. However, it was manageable and actually kind of fun 'making my own track'.
The main pool/ waterfall area when you arrive is in the best condition and one of the more nice spots to hang out. Lots of sun and a nice chill vibe.
The cave is pretty cool, again the track is not in very good condition and you have to do a little bit of guess work to get there. I climbed up the ladder, however, I would not recommend this, it is missing steps and is quite dodgy - I also wasn't too sure what to do at the top - it just kind of leads you to an overgrown bush area where the tracks disappear.
Be very careful of the men on the boats scamming you if you are alone. They will charge you double and rush you on the boat then pile more people on at regular price. Make sure you demand your money back.
On a lighter note the waterfalls are beautiful and it is a great spot to hang for a few hours.. I must have came after some heavy rain because there was a lot of debris and mud around the walking tracks.
The track itself was in need of repair and there was a lot of times when I thought I might have taken a wrong turn. However, it was manageable and actually kind of fun 'making my own track'.
The main pool/ waterfall area when you arrive is in the best condition and one of the more nice spots to hang out. Lots of sun and a nice chill vibe.
The cave is pretty cool, again the track is not in very good condition and you have to do a little bit of guess work to get there. I climbed up the ladder, however, I would not recommend this, it is missing steps and is quite dodgy - I also wasn't too sure what to do at the top - it just kind of leads you to an overgrown bush area where the tracks disappear.
Written April 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leeyuk
Kuala Lumpur322 contributions
I went to the Tat Sae waterfalls in September, which is supposedly the wet season and the falls were in full flow. They're not tall but very expansive and the water is a little milky from the limestone, I think.
The place is lovely and has a very nice, friendly feel to it. I went on a weekday and there were hardly any visitors there. The place is clean and well maintained, with a small restaurant and a stall selling fruits. The main pool seems to be paved in concrete so it's level without dips and bumps - and risks of sudden deep pools.
The water is cold and clean and you can get a nice massage by sitting under one of the numerous falls.
We were lucky enough to see domesticated elephants taking a bath while at the falls. I'd recommend this to anyone as an outing from Luang Prabang.
The place is lovely and has a very nice, friendly feel to it. I went on a weekday and there were hardly any visitors there. The place is clean and well maintained, with a small restaurant and a stall selling fruits. The main pool seems to be paved in concrete so it's level without dips and bumps - and risks of sudden deep pools.
The water is cold and clean and you can get a nice massage by sitting under one of the numerous falls.
We were lucky enough to see domesticated elephants taking a bath while at the falls. I'd recommend this to anyone as an outing from Luang Prabang.
Written September 25, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine F
London, UK10 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
I was unaware of the cruelty involved in elephant riding until a friend informed me. The chairs used are too heavy for their backs causing their spines to cave and baby elephants are often trained to accept riders in a process known as 'the crush' where the animal is placed in a strong, large stall or cage, tied with ropes and often beaten. Google 'elephant riding' and the reasons why you shouldn't do it will be at the top of your search.
Even without this knowledge I would have been distressed by what I experienced a Tad Sae Waterfalls. It started off well enough. We purchased bananas and bamboo to feed the elephants which they gleefully took off us and we posed for photographs. Even then though was an indication of what was to follow. Each elephant was being ridden by a mahout with a bull hook or large nail in his hand. I assumed, wrongly, that this was merely a precaution and they wouldn't be used. Moreover having now spent time with well fed elephants I realise that the elephants snatching the food from our hands was not just fun and games. These elephants were hungry! At least we can be grateful that they hadn't been given amphetamines to suppress their appetites.
Knowing that the seats are harmful to the elephants we asked just to bathe the elephants and ride on their necks. The elephants were lead to the waterfalls where I was helped onto one of their necks with a mahout sitting behind me. The mahout then began encouraging the elephant to wade into the waterfall. It was clear to me that the elephant did not want to wade into the deeper water. As the elephant hesitated the mahout then began stabbing the large nail he had been holding into the elephants side. Yes, elephants have thick skin but it is very sensitive and at this point I noticed blood on the elephant’s side. Even with thick skin it will hurt if you pierce it. I asked the mahout to stop but he did not understand me, or simply ignored me. I then shouted to the English speaking guide that I wanted to get off. I told him that I did not like the way the nail was being used. We then proceeded to bathe the elephants however this experience was also cheapened by the mahouts’ encouragement of the elephants to perform tricks for us, submerging themselves in the water, again through use of the bull hook.
The whole experience felt cheap, unnatural and was very distressing. One of the members of our group was actually brought to tears.
I accept that the mahouts need an income to support themselves and their elephants and tourism is a way to do that however these cruel practices won't change unless the tourists demand something better. There are several better alternatives in Laos and further afield for those travelling further. Firstly Elephant Village in Luang Prabang. This also gets some bad reviews on trip advisor in relation to the treatment of the elephants and they do still offer riding with chairs so proceed with caution however another group who we were travelling with went here and had a wonderful time. Their feeling was that the elephants were happy and well treated. I did not go myself. If you’re going on to Thailand try Elephant Nature Park or Happy Elephant Home in Chiang Mai for a positive elephant friendly experience. Both places focus on the welfare of the elephants and do not allow riding. I went to Happy Elephant Home and can't recommend it enough. Quality time with happy elephants and not a bull hook in sight!
The waterfalls themselves are lovely enough but nothing in comparison to Kuang Si Falls where there is also a sun bear sanctuary if you feel like giving a bit more back to the animals.
TLDR: Elephants are badly treated to the point that it brought one of our group to tears. There are better alternatives in Luang Prabang or Chiang Mai in Thailand. The waterfalls are nothing special.
Even without this knowledge I would have been distressed by what I experienced a Tad Sae Waterfalls. It started off well enough. We purchased bananas and bamboo to feed the elephants which they gleefully took off us and we posed for photographs. Even then though was an indication of what was to follow. Each elephant was being ridden by a mahout with a bull hook or large nail in his hand. I assumed, wrongly, that this was merely a precaution and they wouldn't be used. Moreover having now spent time with well fed elephants I realise that the elephants snatching the food from our hands was not just fun and games. These elephants were hungry! At least we can be grateful that they hadn't been given amphetamines to suppress their appetites.
Knowing that the seats are harmful to the elephants we asked just to bathe the elephants and ride on their necks. The elephants were lead to the waterfalls where I was helped onto one of their necks with a mahout sitting behind me. The mahout then began encouraging the elephant to wade into the waterfall. It was clear to me that the elephant did not want to wade into the deeper water. As the elephant hesitated the mahout then began stabbing the large nail he had been holding into the elephants side. Yes, elephants have thick skin but it is very sensitive and at this point I noticed blood on the elephant’s side. Even with thick skin it will hurt if you pierce it. I asked the mahout to stop but he did not understand me, or simply ignored me. I then shouted to the English speaking guide that I wanted to get off. I told him that I did not like the way the nail was being used. We then proceeded to bathe the elephants however this experience was also cheapened by the mahouts’ encouragement of the elephants to perform tricks for us, submerging themselves in the water, again through use of the bull hook.
The whole experience felt cheap, unnatural and was very distressing. One of the members of our group was actually brought to tears.
I accept that the mahouts need an income to support themselves and their elephants and tourism is a way to do that however these cruel practices won't change unless the tourists demand something better. There are several better alternatives in Laos and further afield for those travelling further. Firstly Elephant Village in Luang Prabang. This also gets some bad reviews on trip advisor in relation to the treatment of the elephants and they do still offer riding with chairs so proceed with caution however another group who we were travelling with went here and had a wonderful time. Their feeling was that the elephants were happy and well treated. I did not go myself. If you’re going on to Thailand try Elephant Nature Park or Happy Elephant Home in Chiang Mai for a positive elephant friendly experience. Both places focus on the welfare of the elephants and do not allow riding. I went to Happy Elephant Home and can't recommend it enough. Quality time with happy elephants and not a bull hook in sight!
The waterfalls themselves are lovely enough but nothing in comparison to Kuang Si Falls where there is also a sun bear sanctuary if you feel like giving a bit more back to the animals.
TLDR: Elephants are badly treated to the point that it brought one of our group to tears. There are better alternatives in Luang Prabang or Chiang Mai in Thailand. The waterfalls are nothing special.
Written December 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hb133
London, UK89 contributions
Jul 2012 • Friends
It's rather hard to review the overall waterfall experience here... The waterfalls themselves were nothing special, and in fact somewhat disappointing with very limited water in early July. However, the elephant swimming / bathing was the highlight of the experience at the waterfalls and is highly recommended.
As for the zip lines - this started out as a fun experience, with what seemed like all the right equipment etc. The first few lines were good, some fun, however things changed for me on the longest, fastest line. I found myself twisting out of control (despite following instructions) and ended up near the end of the line twisted and facing backwards. Given the choice between slowing down a bit and hitting the platform / tree backwards or turning around and hitting forwards, I chose to protect my back and hit forwards.
In making contact with the tree at the end of the platform with my foot, I managed to fracture two bones (the fibular and tibular) causing great pain. This is where the first problem arose - there was no alternative way down to help except to go down a further 7 or so zip lines plus be lowered down a few platforms, all in serious pain. This took about 30 minutes, and it was then a further 1 1/2 hours to get to the hospital in Luang Prabang (which is better left unreviewed on tripadvisor...!).
The staff on site really didn't seem to care at all about my accident or my well-being, however once I was able to speak to the manager / owner of the business on the phone, things improved and I was met at the hospital and looked after by her.
If you chose to ride the zip line here, be very sure to ensure you slow down adequately, as there is minimal space at the end of many of the lines between the platform and the tree the platform is on.
As for the zip lines - this started out as a fun experience, with what seemed like all the right equipment etc. The first few lines were good, some fun, however things changed for me on the longest, fastest line. I found myself twisting out of control (despite following instructions) and ended up near the end of the line twisted and facing backwards. Given the choice between slowing down a bit and hitting the platform / tree backwards or turning around and hitting forwards, I chose to protect my back and hit forwards.
In making contact with the tree at the end of the platform with my foot, I managed to fracture two bones (the fibular and tibular) causing great pain. This is where the first problem arose - there was no alternative way down to help except to go down a further 7 or so zip lines plus be lowered down a few platforms, all in serious pain. This took about 30 minutes, and it was then a further 1 1/2 hours to get to the hospital in Luang Prabang (which is better left unreviewed on tripadvisor...!).
The staff on site really didn't seem to care at all about my accident or my well-being, however once I was able to speak to the manager / owner of the business on the phone, things improved and I was met at the hospital and looked after by her.
If you chose to ride the zip line here, be very sure to ensure you slow down adequately, as there is minimal space at the end of many of the lines between the platform and the tree the platform is on.
Written July 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hallo Zusammen.
Wir waren gestern bei den Wasserfällen von Tad Sae und haben dort auch die Elefanten gesehen. Auf den ersten Blick sah das alles sogar ganz gut aus, weshalb wir näher gegangen sind. Am „Gehege“ haben wir dann gesehen, dass zwei von vier Elefanten eng angekettet waren. Zudem gab es keinen Zaun insofern muss man ja davon ausgehen, dass die auch nachts angekettet sind, oder? Weiß jemand etwas genaueres über die Haltung oder wo ich jemanden kontaktieren könnte? Leider sprach vor Ort keiner englisch.
Written October 23, 2019
celine r
Biganos, France
Combien à coûté le trajet en tuktuk de Luang prabang aller retour?
Written January 21, 2018
Celine R. No se si seré de gran ayuda por que me resulta difícil acordarme ese día contratamos una excursión con un todoterreno desde Luang Prabang pero pasamos casi todo el día fuimos a ver otras cascadas y os aconsejo contratar un coche apropiado por qué hay muchos baches y un tuktuk os destrozará el cuerpo y si contratáis regatear el precio.
Contratamos la noche antes en el mercado nocturno con un chico muy amable y el precio fue bueno pero no lo recuerdo lo siento
Written January 26, 2018
Is the waterfall worth visiting in late April or early May? Also, How cold is the water? (Approximate water temperature)
Written February 23, 2017
Sad thing about Tad Sae is it's dry during hottest season like April or May. But still have some water runing down... you may feel a bit disappointed seeing a dry waterfall.
Written February 28, 2017
Bonjour,
J'aimerais savoir où vous avez loué la moto/shooter car nous irons au Laos en octobre prochain. Nous arriverons en bateau, à Luang Prabang et j'aimerais aller aux cascades Kuang Si et ensuite au Tad Sae, à 42 km.
Si vous avez loué à Luang Prabang, pourriez-vous me dire à quel endroit et est-ce facile à louer....
encore merci
Written September 12, 2016
Bjr
Nous avons louer le scooter directement à l’hôtel IQ où nous étions
Notre ami Sith ne nous a pas demandé de pièces d’identité
Written October 18, 2017
What is a good budget hotel to stay with close proximity to this place n other attractions as well?
Written August 14, 2016
We stayed in the downtown, just next to the main streets. There is no other place close to the Tad Sea Waterfall which is out of the downtown. It takes 45 minutes - 1 hour to Tad Sea by tuk tuk. But the road is quite good.
There are a lot of Villas in downtown with cheap prices. We stayed at Villa Meuanglao - free breakfast. Quite cheap - around 20 usd/night
Written August 25, 2016
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